Taking oath is solemn promise to citizens.

The oath of office taken by public officials is:

1. Not a mere formality: It is taken directly from Section 268 of the Mississippi Constitution of 1890, and is legally binding, being sworn, signed and placed into the public record.

2. It is a solemn promise before public and God; to “obey the law” and to “faithfully discharge the duties of the office, so help me God.”

3. To knowingly violate this oath is to commit “willful neglect of duty,” an indictable offense (Section 175, State Constitution) which can result in conviction, removal from office, and additional punishment.

4. According to the Department of Mississippi State University, which publishes the authoritative reference manual entitled “County Government in Mississippi, 4th edition” and which is responsible for training (some 574) public officials, citizens have an absolute right to expect both elected and appointed officials to honestly do their best to comply with the oath of office; and those citizens have a duty to take action if there are violations.

 

Lynn Wirtz

Adams County